Teenager’s ‘superwoman’ training for London Marathon in aid of NSPCC

• Aberystwyth student has the running bug after ‘tagging along’ with friends for half marathon
• Tayler Walters is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for child protection charity
• NSPCC London Marathon places still available in fight for every childhood

A Welsh teenager is tackling a tough training regime in preparation for the London Marathon, which she is running to help raise money for a child protection charity.

Tayler Walters, 19, is a student at Aberystwyth University and decided she wanted to fundraise for a children’s charity having grown up in foster care, and seen the impact the pandemic has had on young people.

Originally from Carmarthen, Tayler has started her training schedule and hopes to raise £2,200 for the NSPCC by running the 26.2-mile race on October 3.

“I signed up for the London Marathon because I love a challenge,” says Tayler.

“My interest in running started when my friends signed up for a half marathon and I tagged along. I loved every moment, so I decided I wanted to take on a bigger challenge and the London marathon was calling my name!

“I want to raise money for the NSPCC to help children who are going through, or have gone through, abuse or neglect.”

The last 12 months have been particularly tough for children and young people, and the charity’s Childline service has delivered thousands of counselling sessions around mental wellbeing, family and relationship breakdowns, and abuse.

Through its direct services, the charity supports children and young people at risk of online grooming and runs a therapeutic service for children who have been sexually abused.

Having completed five half marathons, Tayler who is studying Scenography Theatre Design and Film & Television, feels ready for her next challenge.

Tayler has already been hitting her training schedule hard ready for the race in five months’ time, but is having some fun with it too. She recently ran along Aberystwyth Prom dressed as Superwoman and has also completed 27 miles in 27 days with members of Aberystwyth Student Sea Rowing Club.

Tayler’s sister and boyfriend have been supporting her on training sessions as part of her training for the iconic race.

“I am finding training hard at the moment because I am having to balance it with university work, a relationship, a job and other commitments,” says Tayler.

“But, I am getting there and wouldn’t change it for the world. When I told my family and friends they were so happy for me. It is all good fun and I cannot wait to take on the streets of London.”

Supporter Fundraising Manager at NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Emma Brennan says: “Running a marathon is a huge challenge and training can be gruelling, so we are extremely grateful that Tayler has decided to run for Team NSPCC.

“We rely on public donations for 90% of our income at the NSPCC, so it is thanks to determined fundraisers like Tayler that we are able to continue to be here for children and young people, and help change lives.

“We still have charity places left and so it’s not too late for anyone keen to support our fight for every childhood by running the London Marathon – they can check out our website for more information, including how to sign up.”

Team NSPCC runners receive world class training tips and tailored support from the charity’s training partners as we all their own NSPCC running vest.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.